General Motors->ke1024 has finally began reinventing its largest crossover->ke288 SUV->ke145 lineup after nearly a decade on the market. Bowing first, the 2017 GMC Acadia boasts an all new chassis formed from thinner yet stronger high-strength steel, measures narrower and shorter, drops 700 pounds, and boasts a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder as the standard engine.

Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to haul seven passengers in high-end GMC->ke32 comfort, but the eight-passenger seating configuration is no longer offered. The Acadia->ke1734 can also be configured to seat five or six, depending on seating packages.

“The all-new Acadia leverages GMC’s proven SUV experience to take on and shake up one of the largest vehicle segments, with a strong blend of design, technology and capability,” says Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing.

GMC’s official stance on the resizing is that the new Acadia is better positioned between the midsize Terrain->ke3419 and the fullsize Yukon,->ke266 while offering better maneuverability, driving dynamics, and fuel economy. Those are all fantastic achievements, but we wonder if GMC is making the right choice by decreasing interior volume.

The 2017 Acadia will surely sell very well regardless. The current Acadia, which has been on the market since 2007 and unchanged since its mid-cycle refresh in 2013, has continually sold extremely well. GMC moved 96,393 units during 2015 alone. The Acadia’s Buick->ke17 and Chevrolet->ke199 cousin, the Enclave->ke1275 and Traverse,->ke2900 sold 62,081 and 119,945 units respectively in 2015. It’s easy to see how important this platform is to The General.

Let’s dive into what the 2017 GMC Acadia is all about.

Update 02/16/2016: GMC has announced official pricing for the 2017 Acadia. Prices fall $1,905, giving the base SL-trim Acadia a starting price of $29,995. More details are found in the pricing section below.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 GMC Acadia.

Exterior

GMC designers basically started with a clean sheet of paper. The exterior is far more attractive than before thanks to sharper line, squared-off wheel wells, and more sloped windshield. The design moves from looking overweight to tailored – exactly what the GMC needed. The official numbers have the 2017 Acadia 7.2 inches shorter front to back, 3.5 inches narrower, and 3.9 inches shorter in height than before.

Like most GMC vehicles, the Acadia’s looks will change with trim levels. As before, the trims include SLE, SLT, and Denali, however, a new trim is added this year. Called the All Terrain, this trim is designed for those needed more off-road capabilities. We’ve seen the All Terrain trim on other GMC models, but this is the Acadia’s first time sporting the new wears.

Specifically the All Terrain trim comes with a unique three-bar grille with a body-color surround, black chrome trim, and unique wheels and tires. Of course the Denali retains that iconic cheese grader grille emblazoned with chrome. Chrome accented door handles and lower rear fascia, along with specific six-spoke wheels are unique to the Denali.

All told, there are three wheel options that include a 17-, 18-, and 20-inch design. Halogen projector beam headlights come standard while HIDs come on Denali. Every trim comes with LED daytime running lights.

Interior

Matching the exterior improvements is a vastly redesign interior. The dashboard debuts an all-new shape not seen on previous models. Familiar bits are still present, like the eight-inch IntelliLink infotainment screen, dual-zone climate controls, and steering wheel. The driver makes use of a full-color TFT display within the gauge cluster that offers multiple gauge views, menu settings, and redundant screens for the infotainment system. The digitally produced analog speedometer complements the truly analog tachometer, coolant temperature, and fuel gauge. Two smaller digitally produced analog gauges give the driver choices with what information to show.

Rear seat configurations are new for 2017. The second row can be had as a three-person bench seat or as two captains chairs. The third row is optional and seats two passengers. Entry and exists into the third row are made easier thanks to a new track system for the second row seats. The seats can even lean forward and slide with a forward-facing child seat fully attached. Unfortunately the All Terrain trim eliminates the third row option, leaving the second row bench for a total of five seats. The Acadia offers 79 cubic feet of cargo room with both the second and third rows folded flat.

Technology abounds in the cabin, as well. The latest version of IntelliLink is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The backup camera now has Tow Vision Trailering – a system GMC has to help hitching a trailer simpler and keeping an eye on it while on the road. Forgetful parents will love the new rear seat alert. It reminds the driver when an item is left sitting in the back seats – say your kid. That feature comes standard.

Drivetrain

There’s big news under the hood. GMC has added a new engine, a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Official specs haven’t been released, but the engine is rumored to be making 194 horsepower. That seems rather underpowered for a 4,600-pound crossover, but GM is counting on the eco-conscience to stick with the standard engine.

GM’s early estimates peg the four-cylinder at getting 22 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway. The engine also boasts GM’s first application of a start/stop system. Designed to save fuel at red lights and in traffic jams, the engine will automatically turn off when the vehicle is stopped, and automatically restart when the brake pedal is released. All the ancillary items like air conditioning remain working.

Thankfully Acadia buyers can option up to a revised version of the familiar 3.6-liter V-6. Now making 310 horsepower, up from 288, the engine will be the heavy lifter while still getting an estimated 25 mpg on the highway. Maximum towing and payload ratings will come with the V-6. Speaking of which, GMC estimates the Acadia can tow roughly 4,000 pounds, down from 5,200 pounds from last year.

Power is sent to the front wheels as standard, but for those needing AWD, the Acadia’s optional system engages with the simple turn of a dial. There’s no automatic mode, but the driver can choose between FWD and AWD on the fly. GMC recommends leaving the system in FWD for fuel savings until road conditions necessitates AWD. That changes for the Acadia All Terrain, however.

The All Terrain’s AWD system is far more complex. The transfer case has an Active Twin Clutch design that is said to optimize traction for all conditions. Not only does it help in adverse conditions, the AWD system is said to help in dry-weather performance.

Every Acadia comes with a drive mode selector, letting the driver dial in the proper powertrain settings for various terrains. SLE, SLT, and Denali trims come with Normal (FWD or AWD disconnect), 4x4 (AWD models only), Snow, Sport, and Tow/Haul modes. The All Terrain model adds an Off-Road setting that helps with steep hill climbs and other treacherous terrain.

Both engines will come mated to GM’s six-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

GMC has loaded the Acadia full of safety equipment and features. It starts with the new high-strength steel chassis and body structure. Not only is it lighter, but it’s stronger than before. The bevy of passive safety features likely carry over, though GMC didn’t make mention of it at Detroit. Those include things like dual front airbags, three-row side curtain airbags, and front torso airbags.

On the Active side, the Acadia boasts a laundry list of equipment. The list includes Front Pedestrian Braking Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Surround Vision Camera System, Forward Collision Alert with automatic braking, Lane Keep Assist with Departure Warning, Lane Change Alert with Slide Blind Zone Alert, and front and rear parking assist.

Prices

GMC has realigned the pricing range for the Acadia. For 2017, prices drop by $1,905 from the previous-generation crossover, giving the base SL-trimmed Acadia a starting price of $29,995. At the other end of the spectrum, the Acadia Denali with AWD starts at $47,845, before options. Having the range-topping model start under $50,000 is a real bonus for GMC, as it should attract customers cross shopping against more premium automakers.

Competition

2016 Honda Pilot

The popular Honda Pilot is all new for 2016. With that comes a fresh exterior design and more functional interior – both departing from the overly square design from the previous generation.

The new Pilot uses an updated 3.5-liter V-6 that has cylinder deactivation and a stop/start system. The old five-speed auto is replaced with a six-speed, furthering the fuel efficiency. Both FWD and AWD is offered.

Though the Honda is a solid competitor in seat count and functionality, it doesn’t offer the blinged-out luxury feel of the Acadia. For some, that’s a good thing. For those wanting a baby Escalade, the Honda may feel drab.

Pricing starts at $29,995 and crests into the middle $40,000 range for the range-topping Elite trim with AWD.

Read our full review on the Honda Pilot here.

2016 Toyota Highlander

Like the Pilot, the Highlander is a more understated vehicle, though no less competitive against the Acadia. Offering three rows of seating, room for eight, and a generous cargo hold, the Highlander is perfect for active families seeking something other than a minivan. The interior is typical Toyota, offering good materials with decent fitment, along with the Entune infotainment system and a small driver information screen in the gauge cluster.

The Toyota comes with three optional powertrains that include a 2.7-liter four-cylinder, a 3.5-liter V-6, and a hybrid version that utilized the V-6 and an electric motor. Like its competition, FWD is standard while AWD comes as an optional extra.

Prices for the Highlander start at $29,020 and follow the Pilot well into the mid-$40,000 range.

Read our full review on the Toyota Highlander here.

Conclusion

The 2017 GMC Acadia is certainly different from the first-generation version. Smaller, fewer seats, a four-cylinder engine, and less towing capacity move the crossover further away from its Yukon big brother. But perhaps that is what’s needed. Making the Acadia a more nimble, easier-to-drive vehicle with more luxury features will surely attract modern buyers. After all, GMC still offers its hardy, traditionalistic, body-on-frame Yukon and Yukon XL SUVs.

We look forward to getting behind the wheel and testing GMC’s claims about the improved driving dynamics. It will also be interesting to test the new 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Let’s hope we’re impressed because these same changes are likely to befall the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave in the coming months.

Update History

Updated 01/12/2016: GMC has officially debuted the 2017 Acadia at the 2016 NAIAS.->ke222 It rides on an all-new platform, comes with a new engine, and offers more luxury than before.